Citrus County Injury Attorney Blog
A 9-year-old Ocala boy was killed in a boat crash in Crystal River recently, according to wildlife officials.
The boy’s family was on a fishing trip at Crystal River Preserve State Park in Citrus County when the recreational open bay boat that his father was driving hit a channel marker.
The boy, who was wearing a life vest, was thrown from the boat, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said.
He was taken to Bayfront Health Seven Rivers hospital in Crystal River, then flown to All Children’s hospital, where he died.
The crash is under investigation, FWC said.
Boating accidents in Florida are not uncommon. In fact, the state of Florida has over one million registered boats. With that many peope on the waterways, it is no surprise that Florida has the highest number of boating fatalities, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Many boating accidents involve collisions with docks, other boats, bridges, barges, or channel markers. Because boats have no brakes and the waterways have no stop signs or traffic lights to guide boaters, boating safety knowledge and common sense are a must for all boat operators. Just one simple mistake can result in serious injuries, or even death.
